The city of Mineola’s social media and political activity policies for employees came under scrutiny Monday, prompting one city council member to call for policies to be amended to prevent future abuse through social media.

During public comments, Nicole Merritt, whose husband James Schaffner is running for Wood County sheriff, outlined what she termed as “official oppression” against Schaffner on a local social media site dedicated to Wood County politics.

She identified one of the former moderators of the group as a Mineola ISD policeman and said some of the commentary has incited “hate speech and violence.”

“You should be able to run for office without fear of official oppression,” she said.

While pointing to the groups’ law enforcement ties, Merritt added that it is also happening “right here in this city council.”

People are moving here to get away from this kind of behavior, she said.

City Councilman Greg Hollen said the issue began in June or July with “snarkiness and condescension toward elected officials, initially the Wood County sheriff.”

He said it escalated into threats, and, “Folks soon learned that the moderators were members of law enforcement.”

He added, “In recent months the focus of ridicule and vitriol has expanded to include other elected officials, judges, and now includes our sitting Wood County judge as well as myself.”

He pointed to recent action taken in Dallas against members of the law enforcement community for public intimidation through social media.

Mayor Kevin White introduced the review of the city policies, saying the council has a responsibility to taxpayers to make sure that tax dollars are used wisely.

He said that local elections are going to play out on social media and wanted everyone to understand the city policies, and if any action is taken by the city manager in that regard, the basis for that action.

City employees don’t waive their constitutional rights, White said, but the city does have policies to keep order.

City attorney Blake Armstrong was on hand to field any questions or concerns from the council.

He described the policy as a very good one that is consistent with state and federal law.

It balances constitutional rights with the consequences of exercising those rights and does have some teeth through disciplinary measures.

Council member Sue Jones said people see council members as the face of the city and not just on social media.